Consulting is something I'd always been curious to try but wary about because of the lifestyle and inconsistency. I'd always been told that it's physically demanding because consultants are expected to travel up to 100%, which in business, implies Monday-Thursday on the client site and Friday at the home office. On the other hand, mentors and panelists have shared that consulting is great for entry-level professionals because of the opportunity to learn a lot very quickly - varying roles in varying industries.

However, like anything new, there's a lot to discover once you're on the actual job. During the time I was a design consultant at IBM iX, I observed many elements that make consulting truly different from any other line of business. Below, I present 5 things I wish I knew about consulting.

I asked to speak to my manager. Our conversation began with "how are you?" followed by the usual agenda of going over client meetings, work distribution, and future team reorganization. Before he delved too deeply into work matter, I mustered up the courage to inject, "Since you mentioned team reorganization, I actually want to let you know that I found an opportunity in Seattle and I anticipate that next Friday will be my last day at IBM."

Silence. Shock. "Oh OK... Congratulations! I'll talk to the studio lead to figure out what the formal resignation process is."

A couple of blocks from my home in Seattle, there used to be a homeless encampment called Nickelsville. During my last year of high school, I'd walk past it and see families keeping warm around a fire and kids running around their shelters. Getting off the freeway ramp on Dearborn or Rainier, I'd see homeless men sit or walk up to cars begging for money or a smile. I grew accustomed to homelessness and became familiar with how to approach them - just avoid eye contact, especially if you're not going to give.

After graduating from the Human Centered Design & Engineering department at the University of Washington, I interned at Avvo, which ended nearly 3 weeks ago. I am now reflecting on my experience after recently returning from a 20-year family reunion in Vietnam – an experience that was highly encouraged and supported by the UX family at Avvo.

To accommodate my family reunion, my internship went from a busy 10-weeks to a busier 6-weeks. This in itself shows how much Avvo cares about its employees’ interests while balancing its GSD (get shit done) value, regardless of whether you’re an intern or not.

Yesterday, I walked across the big stage at the Husky Stadium to collect my diploma holder. Today, I’m frantically packing for a 19 day trip to Vietnam and Thailand. As much as I am thrilled to go on this trip, I am overwhelmed. I feel as though so many major life changing, milestone events have happened and I haven’t had the opportunity to fully immerse in or enjoy them because they are all happening simultaneously. Likewise, it feels like this trip of a lifetime is approaching too soon, and I haven’t had time to mentally prepare for it. Perhaps my excitement will kick in the moment I step on the plane.

I've always been a very curious and reflective person, and this blog serves as place for me to track and share some of those thoughts. Lately, I've been sharing more about travel, so follow along if you're interested in learning tips & tricks or just want inspo.